Transport Module Control Units for Linear Motor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems in factory automation face challenges with increased device size, cost, and complexity due to the need for switch units to improve controllability near the boundary of transport modules, particularly in systems using movable magnet type linear motors.
Innovation Solution
A transport system with multiple control units that adjust drive conditions based on the difference between the carriage's entry timing and control start timing, allowing for improved position control without the need for additional switch units, thereby simplifying the configuration and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a switch unit is used to improve controllability near the boundary of transport modules, then the controllability and stop position accuracy are improved, but the device size, cost, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from a separate physical switch unit and integrates it into the control units that already exist in the transport modules. Each control unit determines whether it should control the carriage based on position information, effectively taking out the switching decision-making from a dedicated component and distributing it across existing control units, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining controllability improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The control units are given multiple functions: they not only control the linear motors but also determine whether they should be actively controlling the carriage based on position information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switch units, as the control units themselves perform the switching decision, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to improve controllability near boundaries
2Manufacturing precision
If a switch unit is used to improve controllability near the boundary of transport modules, then the controllability and stop position accuracy are improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching function with the existing control units in the transport modules. Instead of adding a separate switch unit that would increase device size, the switching logic is combined with the control units that already exist, thereby improving stop position accuracy without increasing the physical footprint of the system
3Manufacturing precision
If signal input switching is implemented to improve controllability near boundaries, then the stop position accuracy is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control units use position information as feedback to determine whether they should be controlling the carriage. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically switch control signals based on the carriage's position relative to module boundaries, improving stop position accuracy while keeping the control logic manageable through a clear feedback-based decision rule
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances controllability and stability of the carriage near the boundary of transport modules, reducing transport delays and maintaining control without increasing device complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
a movable magnet type linear motor system has a needle on which a plurality of field permanent magnets are mounted such that N-pole and S-pole are alternately arranged on a line, a coil arranged along the moving path of the needle
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes a plurality of transport modules forming a transport path on which a carriage travels and a plurality of control units each provided to corresponding one of the plurality of transport modules and configured to perform position control of the carriage in accordance with a pre-stored drive condition and a control start timing, and one of the plurality of control units which corresponds to a first transport module that is one of the plurality of transport modules corrects the drive condition by using a difference between an entry timing at which the carriage enters the first transport module and the control start timing.